Jon Stewart's hip, irreverent skewering of the news and pop culture elevated this already successful series to new comedic heights (and doubled its audience) after he took over for Craig Kilborn in 1999. `If you watch the news and don't like it, then this (more…)Jon Stewart's hip, irreverent skewering of the news and pop culture elevated this already successful series to new comedic heights (and doubled its audience) after he took over for Craig Kilborn in 1999. `If you watch the news and don't like it, then this is your counter program to the news,' Stewart said. Comedy Central's signature show snagged an Emmy in 2003 as the Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series.